1988 BMW M5

It’s a little weird to write posts on E28 M5s after completing my own long search. I feel like each clicked link comes with a slight anxiety that the ensuing car is nicer or a missed opportunity. Luckily, I definitely bought the right car for myself at the time and I rarely see M5s that are a better value. Today’s comes close though, as it’s just across the bay, priced well, and looks clean. Bidding has been fast and furious from a low starting point for this clean and debadged M5.

Year: 1988
Model: M5
Engine: S38B35 3.5L inline-6
Transmission: Getrag 280 5-speed manual
Mileage: 192,700
Price: $12,500

1988 BMW M5 for sale on eBay in Oakland

I am selling my 1988 BMW M5. The car has done 192,000 miles, it has spent its entire life in California and is completely rust free.

My M5 has a Comforti chip and the self-leveling suspension has been replaced by a previous owner – it has Bilstein shocks all round with Dinan springs in the front and stock BMW e28 springs in the rear. The car has BMW 17″ BBS (from E39) alloys (no, I will not sell these separately). Otherwise the car is unmodified.

It has a brand new set of Continental tires and has just been Smogged. The car is in great shape both mechanically and aesthetically. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere. All electrics work except the occasional ‘sticking’ of the drivers electric wing mirror (I have a spare). The car has all manuals and complete trunk tool kit.

Negative points (see photos): The car has 3 cracks in the dash (however, I do have a custom made ‘cover’ dash which fits over the top of the old one – this will come with the car). There is a bit of cracking of the seat leather, but no tears. There are a few stone chips, otherwise the paintwork is excellent. I have removed the external badges, but I still have them and they can easily be replaced.

I am the fourth owner and I have pampered this M5 as the previous owners have done. I have a folder full of receipts detailing recent and past maintenance work done. All maintenance has been addressed. Sadly I am selling this car because I am moving back to Europe. I would love to see the car go to someone who really appreciates these rare classics. There are always little imperfections that could be improved upon, but overall the car is in great condition.

You are welcome to come and view the car before bidding. It is kept at my studio in Oakland. Email me to arrange a viewing. Feel free to contact me with any questions. I will happily provide more photos. Please, no time wasters, serious bidders and good drivers only. Folks with less than 5 feedback will be removed unless you convince me of your interest before bidding. Happy bidding and M5 owning. Kate

The vast majority of our sellers are men, so I’m pretty stoked to see a woman with an M5. Too bad she’s selling it, but good for the buyer. It looks clean inside and out and what I can see of the seats and dash are not bad for almost 200k miles. My main questions are why standard E28 springs are on the rear and how long the engine will last before a rebuild is necessary? Other than that, this appears to be a very clean and loved M5 that will hopefully continue on to another enthusiast.

-NR